Daily Cannabis News Brief for 7/22/2026

Below is a breakdown of today’s top cannabis news stories, with each title linking to a full article. The Marijuana Herald publishes a new edition every weekday at around 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. PDT. This, and future editions, can be found by clicking here.

THCV and CBD Reduce Voluntary Alcohol Consumption in Long-Term Animal Study

THCV and CBD both reduced voluntary alcohol consumption among male rats with a long history of drinking, although the cannabinoids appeared to affect drinking behavior through different mechanisms. The Vilnius University study supports further research into the compounds as potential treatments for alcohol use disorder.

Bipartisan Senators File Federal Bill to Protect Insurers Serving State-Legal Marijuana Businesses

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) has introduced federal legislation that would protect insurance companies from penalties for providing coverage to marijuana businesses operating legally under state, local or tribal law. Senate Bill 5049 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.

Bipartisan Federal Bill Would Preserve Hemp-Derived THC Products Under New Regulatory Framework

Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY) and Angie Craig (D-MN) have introduced the Lawful Hemp Protection Act, which would preserve access to certain hemp-derived THC products while establishing new federal manufacturing, labeling, taxation and age restrictions. The bill would allow finished products containing up to 1% total THC by dry weight, require sales to be limited to those 21 and older and impose new fees on hemp consumables and beverages.

Review Finds Nanoencapsulation Could Improve Cannabinoid-Based Pain Treatments

Encapsulating cannabinoids in lipid nanoparticles could improve their stability, absorption and pain-relieving effects, according to a review published in the journal Pharmaceutics. Researchers said the technology shows particular potential for chronic and neuropathic pain, although most of the available evidence remains preclinical.

Every Cannabis Bill Introduced During the 2025–2026 Session of U.S. Congress

Congressional lawmakers have introduced more than two dozen cannabis-related bills and resolutions during the 2025–2026 session. The proposals address marijuana descheduling, banking and insurance protections, veterans’ access, hemp regulations, housing, taxes, research and other issues.

Survey Finds 47% in Nebraska Support Legalizing Recreational Cannabis, 84% Support Medical

A University of Nebraska–Lincoln survey found that 47% of Nebraska adults support legalizing marijuana for both medical and recreational use, up from 44% in 2024. Overall support for medical marijuana reached 84%, up from approximately 80%.

Op-Ed: The Hemp Ban that is not a Ban, but a Reunification

In a new op-ed for The Marijuana Herald, law student Anthony Deininger argues that most naturally derived products that lose their federal hemp status in November may not be banned, but instead reclassified as marijuana. If marijuana is moved to Schedule III before the new hemp definition takes effect, Deininger says those products could be reunited with marijuana under Schedule III, while synthetic cannabinoids would remain federally prohibited.

Study Finds 85% of Bulgarian Chronic Pain Patients Open to Using CBD if Recommended by a Healthcare Professional

A new study involving 55 Bulgarian adults with chronic pain found that 85.5% would consider using CBD if recommended by a healthcare professional. Although nearly 62% had heard of CBD, only 14.5% considered themselves fully informed about its benefits, safety and proper use. Researchers said limited medical guidance, dosing uncertainty and concerns about interactions remain key barriers.

Study Reports First Successful Callus Induction From Cannabis Anthers

University of Connecticut researchers have reported the first successful induction of callus tissue from cannabis anthers. The development could eventually help breeders produce genetically uniform cannabis lines more quickly, supporting genetic mapping, gene editing and the creation of cultivars with consistent traits.

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